Stormy weather by Steph Ball
While storm Flossie in the East Pacific has been upgraded to hurricane status, back in the UK, the start of the Fastnet Race has been postponed due to impending stormy weather on route.
Flossie, heading west towards Hawaii, intensified to a category 4 hurricane on Saturday. During the early hours of Sunday it was packing winds close to 140mph (220km/h) with gusts 170mph (270km/h). Flossie is forecast to weaken over the next two days, passing to the south of Hawaii overnight on Tuesday. It is forecast to bring little more than some heavy showers and high waves.
In the UK, on Sunday morning, the start of the Fastnet 2007 race from Cowes was delayed for the first time in its 83 year history. The decision was taken due to the forecast of stormy weather set to hit the fleet of boats on route to the Fastnet Rock, Southwest Ireland. The Met Office has issued an early warning of heavy rain and severe gales which is forecast to move in across the UK from late Monday onwards.
The Fastnet Race is not a stranger to bad weather, with this year marking the 28th anniversary of the Fastnet Storm of 1979 when racers ran into Force 10 winds off the south of Ireland. Boats were scuppered and some lost with 15 left dead.
It is hoped that the start of the race can be re-scheduled for when the weather allows a safe passage for the sailors.
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